11/12/2024
Okra Story - Beyond the Kitchen 🌱
In 2023, Esna embarked on a journey to preserve its heritage through the VISIT-Esna project. This initiative focused not only on restoring heritage sites but also on safeguarding the city’s intangible heritage, with food playing a central role in telling Esna’s identity, culture, and history.
From the start, we recognized that food in Esna wasn’t just about taste; it’s a reflection of the city’s rich legacy. However, gathering traditional recipes wasn’t as easy as we thought it would be. Our initial attempts to collect recipes from locals failed, with many not realizing how unique their food was and how it set them apart from other areas of Egypt. It became clear that we needed to engage the community more meaningfully.
This led to the launch of the "Esna's Kitchen" cooking competition in August 2023. Over 40 participants joined, sharing recipes passed down through generations—hidden culinary gems waiting to be uncovered.
But our work didn’t stop at collecting recipes. For the next step, we brought a professional chef to work closely with these women to document and refine their dishes, and to ensure authenticity and consistency. The real challenge was not just cooking; it was training these women in professional cooking skills, from selecting ingredients to plating. This process required breaking societal norms and empowering them to step into the professional culinary world.
In Esna, it’s uncommon for women to work in tourism. Yet, these women overcame challenges and embraced their roles as the keepers of their culinary heritage. Okra Kitchen became a platform for them to share their heritage with the world.
The name Okra was a natural choice, as this key ingredient in Upper Egyptian cuisine reflects the region’s culinary identity. In some cultures, it’s even called “Lady Fingers,” symbolizing women's vital role in this project.
Today, Okra Kitchen symbolizes cultural preservation and empowerment. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation, and where women transform their communities by celebrating their heritage.
